On this column, Zofia Wijaszka critiques forgotten, underrated, and “hidden gems” horror movies that deserve a brand new viewers’s consideration and post-watch dialog. The Terror Comeback’s objective is to have fun the horror style, each the style within the cinema and on tv.
“Jennifer’s Physique” Evaluation: A Horror Flick on Feminine Rage Forward of Its Time
This assessment comprises spoilers for Jennifer’s Physique.
Highschool is a b*tch. Imagine me. Everybody offers with rising pains, shifting moods, and bullying. And even when your highschool years had been “all good,” I’d guess there are nonetheless bitter recollections that generally preserve you awake at evening. In Karyn Kusama’s 2009 horror flick Jennifer’s Body, highschool isn’t simply powerful, it’s lethal. Written by Diablo Cody (United States of Tara), this cult traditional will not be flawless, however it stays a significant piece of popular culture. It’s a narrative of coming of age, bodily autonomy, and feminine rage, wrapped in a pointy horror narrative. Now, 16 years later, it’s confirmed to face the check of time and feels much more related now than ever.
The story unfolds in a small city known as Satan’s Kettle. Anita “Needy” Lesnicki (Amanda Seyfried), a excessive schooler, grows more and more involved about her greatest good friend, Jennifer Examine (Megan Fox), who begins appearing unusually after a tragedy wherein the native bar burns down throughout a efficiency by indie band Low Shoulder. Because it seems, the band made a pact with the Satan that required the sacrifice of a virgin. Believing Jennifer to be one, they kidnap and kill her. However as a result of she wasn’t a virgin, Jennifer is resurrected and returns searching for retribution. Whereas Needy tries to save lots of her good friend, a string of ugly murders rocks the small city.
At its core, Jennifer’s Physique is a horror story; gory, chilling, and stuffed with moments that may make you squirm. Nevertheless it’s additionally far more than that. Like John Fawcett’s Ginger Snaps, it channels feminine rage and weaves in sharp commentary on rising up whereas being a younger woman in boys’ world, bodily autonomy, and revenge. Megan Fox delivers an outstanding efficiency as Jennifer, whereas Seyfried’s portrayal of Needy is unforgettable. J.Ok. Simmons, Kyle Gallner, and Johnny Simmons spherical out a powerful supporting solid, however it’s Fox and Seyfried’s chemistry that electrifies the movie. Their dynamic is each haunting and fascinating, with queer undertones that invite audiences to interpret the connection by means of their very own lens.
I’ve lengthy admired Kusama’s path in movies like Destroyer, XX, and The Invitation, in addition to her directorial work on Yellowjackets. Her ability shines by means of with Jennifer’s Physique, with putting prospers like split-diopter photographs (my private weak point). In the meantime, Cody’s script captures the teenage voice completely, full with cringe-worthy slang and razor-sharp one-liners. Traces like “You’re killing individuals!” / “No, I’m killing boys.” stay iconic to this present day.
If I might change one factor, I’d like to see Jennifer take out the band members themselves somewhat than going after Chip. To me, that may have made the story extra gratifying. However that’s a private desire. The ending we bought remains to be satisfyingly scrumptious. What’s outstanding is how Jennifer’s Body, negatively reviewed and acquired by many upon launch, has aged right into a cult traditional. Through the years, it’s been embraced as an empowering, coming-of-age horror movie.
Regardless of its pacing hiccups and some narrative decisions, it’s a must-watch—particularly for anybody who’s survived the brutal actuality of highschool.
Grade: B+
Jennifer’s Physique is at the moment streaming on Hulu.
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Jennifer’s Body
Jennifer, a beautiful, seductive cheerleader takes evil to a complete new stage after she’s possessed by a sinister demon. Now it is as much as her greatest good friend to cease Jennifer’s reign of terror earlier than it is too late.
